Weather News

Perth to swelter through heatwave

Ben McBurney,
Wednesday December 26, 2012 - 13:51 EDT

Perth is set to endure a real taste of summer as it endures potentially the hottest 7 day period on record.

The city is forecast to reach at least 38 degrees across the next six days, with temperatures into the low 40's on Saturday and Sunday. On Christmas Day, Perth also endured a scorching temperatures, as the mercury soared to 40 degrees, which is 11 degrees above average.

If the Western Australia capital reaches at least 38 degrees over the next 6 days, this will be the city's hottest 7 day period of temperatures reaching at least 38 degrees on record. This would break the previous record set over December 1964 and January 1965, where the city endured 6 days in a row above this temperature.

Thunderstorms may provide some relief on Thursday and Friday during the afternoon and evening, however hot easterly winds should prevent seabreezes from bringing any cooling on most days.

Heatwaves can be dangerous causing dehydration, heat stroke and death, particularly in children and the elderly. Therefore it is important to stay hydrated and if possible be in air conditioned environments during the hottest part of the day.

Unfortunately, relief looks like not arriving until at least New Years Day, when temperatures drop into the more bearable low 30's. Temperatures are likely to climb above 30 degrees each day into early January.